Rafting in Castellane

You often ask ourselves questions about rafting, popular sport in Castellane and in the Alpes de Haute-Provence. Many providers offer rafting on the mythical Verdon or other more quiet rivers. Everyone can find and choose the route according to its desires.

What kind of white water rafting excursion providers offer?Journeys are varied and diverse, to enable everyone to explore beautiful places on different rivers. If the Verdon is the most popular, other water course offer also unique landscapes and unforgettable memories.

When should I book? The sooner the better! There are many providers in Castellane and Alpes de Haute-Provence... everything just because it is a very popular attraction. Long-term visitors and tourists have only one thing in mind: get off the Verdon rafting. This activity is increasingly governed by the release of water from the dam of Castillon. Cannot therefore go rafting every day, which further limits the number of places. We advise you to book well in advance, and call in low season to check for availability. To book simply register directly with providers who often have a shop in the city, or via their website.

At the Campsite, our partner Aboard Rafting moves every Sunday morning in high season and is also present every evening from 19 h to 20 h at La Ferme restaurant of the campsite.

What should I bring? All equipment is provided. No need to charge you. Take your swimsuit, a towel, and dry clothes in your car, for example, and take care to not bring anything of value (watches, earrings, portable, electric appliances...). Essential objects may be deposited in a sealed barrel (key of car etc.)

What happens in case of cancellation? Some providers will ask you a deposit which will be non-refundable in case of cancellation. If you tell enough in advance or that incident out of your desire occurs, you will be refunded (except deposit).

From what age can we go rafting? Everything depends on your thirst for adventure and your swimming skills. Indeed, it is essential to know how to swim. Some routes take children from 8 years, other 12 years. Check with your provider to avoid unpleasant surprises and disappointments. Guides, present on the boat, will assess the level of difficulty of the course.

What are the levels of difficulty? In general the rivers are classified from 1 (very easy) to 6 (almost impossible). In the Verdon, this difficulty is assessed at 2 and 3. There are a few obstacles, difficult passages, the whirlpool or a little fast eddies. Nevertheless you will be always in safety thanks to the professional guide on the boat and, in the event of unexpected fall, your life jacket.

Therefore, it is dangerous to go rafting?Despite these minor difficulties, the courses are adapted to an audience without knowledge of the rafting, and secured by the presence of professional guides who know very well the river. It is important to remember that their priority is your safety. Do I need a rafting experience? In any way! Everyone is accepted, regardless of its level. What is the best time to go rafting in the Gorges du Verdon? Of course, the summer period is the best, which explains why she is popular. The dam releases are regular (generally Tuesdays and Fridays). In the spring, the release of water is regularly on the week.